Trifecta plus one – hill climbing, no shoulder, headwinds, heavy traffic.

We left Daly City this morning and immediately started climbing a hill upwards of 650 ft., straight up it seemed. Then we had a quick ride down-both on neighborhood streets so we weren’t bothered by the traffic on Route 1.

After a quick breakfast sandwich in Pacifica, we headed up the long and winding Route 1 with traffic, no shoulder, and wind. By the time we reached the top I was breathing a sigh of relief  that we could

head off on an alternate trail (Devil’s Slide Trail) around the ocean side of these cliffs instead of through a tunnel that was built two years ago due to the constant rock slides and erosion. San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Dept. has created a nice 1.5 mile paved trail on the old Route 1 with beautiful vistas, historical and environmental information plaques. We met two young

fellows who had cycled up the same hill (they were from Oakland, CA) and they were as winded as we were upon arriving at the top. The climb was worth it and the photos below are proof.

We had a mostly downhill or flat, coastal route to cycle for the rest of the day and have secured lodging for the next two nights at Half Moon Bay.

With the Memorial Day weekend and more college graduations, it was difficult to find lodging. Half Moon Bay is a nice coastal town in which to spend an extra day. Might even get my nails done. Boy do they need it. We trekked into town using the coastal trail to avoid Route 1, got the laundry done and then headed out to an English pub for dinner. We still think we are in Ireland. Bill had real Guinness on draught and chowder.

Tomorrow we might hit the bookstore and walk on the beach and stow the bikes for the day.